A PONY FOR SEAN

SEAN KEENAN A boy of about sixteen.Seemingly unacademic.At the beginning of the play he seems like a no-hoper,a loser,to both his parents and teachers.He has not found his main interest in life yet.When he does,he will be both determined,and hardworking.TOM KEENAN Unemployed and SEAN’S father.He is a man of about forty five.His own life has made him view academic success and going to university as the only way his children can escape from unemployment and poverty.He is then bitterly disappointed when they fail to live up to his expectations.ANN KEENAN A cleaner and SEAN’S mother.She is also about forty-five.She was once pretty,but has now become a bit of a drudge,and is very much in the shadow of her domineering husband..She is tired of the financial sacrifices the family has had to make over the years.BRENDAN KEENAN Is eighteen and SEAN’S older brother.He is also unemployed,and has turned to petty crime to finance his needs,which includes money for drugs.He is academically bright,but has given up on education.MARY KEENAN Is bright,and set for academic success at school. Mary firmly believes in SEAN,and is always taking his side in arguments.MIKE SHAUNESSY A boy of about SEAN’S own age.Outgoing and friendly.BRIAN DONOGHUE The owner of some stables just outside DUBLIN.He is a man of about forty.Business-like and fair.JOHN BROPHY The person who runs QUARRYVALE PONY CLUB.(QUARRYVALE is a real place,and JOHN BROPHY is a real person.)LIAM KEENAN TOM’S brother and SEAN’S Uncle.MAN FROM THE CORPORATION The man sent to destroy SEAN’S pony.

THE SETTINGThe CLONDALKIN area of DUBLIN in 1997.In this working class part of Dublin,horse ownership has become almost like a rite-of-passage for the many young teenagers living in this area,and the only escape from high unemployment,and all the problems associated with it.

FADE IN:(V/O)My name is Sean Keenan,and if my life is rewarding and happy now,it wasn’t always so.The year that changed my life was 1997.I was sixteen years old.Then as now I lived in Dublin.Back then I lived in an area of Dublin known as Clondalkin.I didn’t realise at the beginning of 1997 what amazing changes that year would bring to my life,and the lives of those who surrounded me.

(GRAMS)

(THE WHOLE KEENAN FAMILY EXCEPT BRENDAN IS SITTING ROUND THE BREAKFAST TABLE.TOM KEENAN IS TRYING TO READ HIS NEWSPAPER,AND ANN KEENAN IS BUSY SERVING BREAKFAST.)

TOM KEENAN (RUSTLING NEWSPAPER)I see your school report was useless as usual, Sean.ANN KEENAN Are you goiong to eat that toast,Sean?(SHAKES CORNFLAKE PACKET)Here have some cereal instead.(PAUSE)Mary had an excellent report this year.Her teachers say she’s university material.

TOM KEENAN Mary’s never given me anything much to worry about.Unlike her brothers.I don’t know what Brendan is up to at these days.We’ve lost him to that bunch of hooligans he hangs around with.He’ll end up behind bars,mark my words,and this younger one,Sean,here,he’s going the same way as his layabout brother.MARY KEENAN I think you underestimate Sean,Dad.TOM KEENAN Maybe,I don’t have great hopes for him though.SEAN KEENAN Why are you always putting me down?(RAISES VOICE)You’re the loser,Dad,not me!One day I’ll show you..(THE SOUND OF A CHAIR SCRAPING THE GROUND AS SEAN GETS UP AND LEAVES THE TABLE.THE SOUND OF FOOTSTEPS AS HE RUNS OUT OF THE ROOM AND UP THE STAIRS.THE SOUND OF A DOOR BANGING SHUT.A PAUSE THEN A KNOCK ON THE DOOR)

BRENDAN KEENAN (OFF-VOICE COMING FROM OUTSIDE DOOR)Can I come in Sean?SEAN KEENAN I suppose so.BRENDAN KEENAN You shouldn’t pay any attention to the old man.He’s an old fool.I mean just look at him.He’s done absolutely nothing with his life,and he thinks he can tell us how to live ours(PAUSE)Do you want to come out with me and my mates this evening?SEAN KEENAN Thanks but I’ve already got something planned.BRENDAN KEENAN Girl is it?SEAN KEENAN No,nothing like that.I…I’ve just got something planned that’s all.BRENDAN KEENAN Hmm,(LAUGHING)Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!SEAN KEENAN (LAUGHING)That should give me plenty of scope.BRENDAN KEENAN I’ll see you later then.(DOOR CLOSES-BRENDAN LEAVES)

(GRAMS)

(TOM KEENAN AND HIS WIFE ANNE KEENAN ARE ALONE IN THEIR LIVING ROOM DISCUSSING THEIRCHILDREN.)

ANN KEENAN Sean has been very secretive lately.You don’t suppose he’s in some sort of trouble do you,Tom?TOM KEENAN I don’t know Ann.These days I don’t think I know any of our children any more.Mary’s the only one I don’t despair of.I think she’ll go far providing she doesn’t go and get herself pregnant, and throw it all away.ANN KEENAN I don’t think she will.Mary’s got a good head on her shoulders.TOM KEENAN You know,Ann,I used to have high hopes for Brendan when he was very young.He was so bright,just like Mary,but somehow he just lost interest in school and books and studying,and now I don’t know what he’s interested in.He’s become a stranger to me.A stranger who doesn’t even like me.And Sean’s going the same way.ANN KEENAN No,you’re wrong about Sean.Sean just wants you to pay more attention to him.TOM KEENAN I know,I do try with Sean,I really do,but I can never seem to say the right things with him.It never used to be like that.This last year or so,he justs seems to have stopped talking to me.Does he talk to you at all,Ann?ANN KEENAN Not much.I know he’s not keen on school,and he doesn’t have that many friends,but that’s all.TOM KEENAN You’re right,maybe I need to spend more time with Sean……

(GRAMS)

(SEAN KEENAN AND HIS BROTHER BRENDAN KEENAN ARE WALKING ALONG THE ROAD.THE SOUND OF THEIR FOOTSTEPS ON THE PAVEMENT CAN BE HEARD CLEARLY.)

BRENDAN KEENAN So how’s your love life,Sean?SEAN KEENAN What?……I told you yesterday I don’t have a girlfriend.BRENDAN KEENAN It’s not a girl then? SEAN KEENAN What’s not a girl?BRENDAN KEENAN The person or thing that’s made you disappear off somewhere these last few evenings.SEAN KEENAN If I tell you,do you promise you won’t tell Mam and Dad?BRENDAN KEENAN Your secret’s safe with me.I wouldn’t dream of telling the old man anything.SEAN KEENAN I…I’ve been going to Quarryvale Pony Club.BRENDAN KEENAN Why?…..(JOKING)No,don’t tell me you’ve bought a horse(LONG PAUSE)Oh,my god!You have,haven’t you.You’ve bought a horse!SEAN KEENAN I don’t want to tell Mam and Dad.I don’t think they’d let me keep him..BRENDAN KEENAN You’re probably right there(PAUSE)Where did you get the money from to buy him?SEAN KEENAN I used the birthday and Christmas money Grandad gave me.BRENDAN KEENAN Can I see him?SEAN KEENAN Would you really like to?BRENDAN KEENAN Of course I’d really like to.SEAN KEENAN All right then he’s in the park.I can take you there now if you want.BRENDAN KEENAN Okay,lead the the way.

(SEAN KEENAN AND BRENDAN KEENAN ARE STANDING IN THE PARK.THE SOUND OF CHILDREN PLAYING,PEOPLE TALKING,SHOUTING ETC,AND BIRDS SINGING CAN BE HEARD IN THE DISTANCE.VERY NEARBY YOU CAN HEAR THE SOUND OF A HORSE NEIGHING.)

BRENDAN KEENAN He’s beautiful,he really is.What’s his name?SEAN KEENAN Midnight.BRENDAN KEENAN Do you know how to ride him?SEAN KEENAN Not very well yet.(PAUSE)You won’t tell Mam and Dad about him will you?BRENDAN KEENAN Look,I said I wouldn’t, didn’t I.(PAUSE) I’m on your side Sean.I promised I wouldn’t tell them,and I won’t.

(GRAMS)

(THE SOUND OF A KEY IN THE LOCK.SEAN IS ARRIVING HOME)

SEAN KEENAN Mam!Dad!Anybody!MARY KEENAN There’s no need to shout the house down,Sean.There’s no one else in except me.Dad’s gone to the pub,Mam’s gone to visit Gran and Grandad, and God only knows where Brendan is.(PAUSE)Mam was a bit worried about you.You missed your tea….SEAN KEENAN Was Dad angry with me?MARY KEENAN No,not really.Although he did complain about you not doing your homework,and not working hard enough at school.SEAN KEENAN Dad thinks we should all be bookworms like you.He doesn’t understand that some of us would rather be doing something else and not sit in a stuffy classroom all day.MARY KEENAN He’s just worried about your future,about what you’re going to do when you leave school.SEAN KEENAN (SARCASTIC)I don’t think he’s worried about me,I think he’s disappointed that I’m not brainy like you,his beloved daughter.MARY KEENAN (HURT)Why are you talking to me like that?.I’ve never said an unkind word to you.I’ve always stood up for you.SEAN KEENAN Shut up!I’m sick of hearing how well you always bloody do at school.It’s always,’Mary this’,Mary that’.Just go away.The only person round here who doesn’t treat me like the village idiot is Brendan!MARY KEENAN Sean!

(GRAMS)

(SEAN KEENAN IS IN THE PUBLIC PARK WITH HIS HORSE MIDNIGHT,NEARBY THERE IS ANOTHER BOY OF ABOUT SEAN’S OWN AGE.THIS IS MIKE SHAUNESSY,WHO IS ALSO WITH HIS HORSE.)

MIKE SHAUNESSY Is that black pony yours?SEAN KEENAN Yes,his name’s Midnight.Is the bay coloured pony yours?MIKE SHAUNESSY Yes,he’s called Dune.I must say I think your pony is a real beauty.SEAN KEENAN Thanks.MIKE SHAUNESSY I haven’t seen you around here before.You must have bought your horse quite recently.SEAN KEENAN I haven’t had him all that long,about a month and a half.MIKE SHAUNESSY I’m Mike Shaunessy by the way.SEAN KEENAN I’m Sean,Sean Keenan.MIKE SHAUNESSY Well then Sean.What do you say to a race.?SEAN KEENAN Yeah,okay.Just give me a moment to get on Midnight.(THERE IS A PAUSE AS SEAN MOUNTS HIS HORSE)MIKE SHAUNESSY Are you ready now?SEAN KEENAN Yeah.MIKE SHAUNESSY On your marks, get set, go!(THE SOUND OF HORSES’ BREATHING,AND HOOVES GALLOPING)MIKE SHAUNESSY Phew!That was a greas race.How long did you say you’d been riding?SEAN KEENAN I’d never ridden before owning Midnight.MIKE SHAUNESSY That’s amazing.You’re a born horseman.I’m telling you not many people could ride like that after only one month.I should know,I’ve ridden since I was about five years old,and I can spot a good horse,and a good rider when I see one.SEAN KEENAN I’ve got to go now,Mike,otherwise my Mam will blow a fuse if I’m late for my tea.MIKE SHAUNESSY Will you be here tomorrow?SEAN KEENAN Well,I always come down to the park early in the morning before school,and usually after school as well,so you’re bound to bump into me sometime.MIKE SHAUNESSY See you then.SEAN KEENAN Okay,see you

(GRAMS)

(SEAN IS WALKING HOME.YOU CAN HEAR THE SOUNDS OF HIS FOOTSTEPS ON THE PAVEMENT.A POLICE SIREN IS WAILING,AND GETS PROGRESSIVELY LOUDER)

SEAN KEENAN (WHISPERING TO HIMSELF)Oh,my God!It’s stopping outside our house!Somethings happened!(SEAN BREAKS INTO A RUN.THE FOOTSEPS NOW SOUND LOUD AND FAST))SEAN KEENAN What’s happened Mam?Why are they taking Brendan away?ANN KEENAN (SOBBING)They’ve arrested Brendan.SEAN KEENAN What for?ANN KEENAN He…he stole a car,and they also found that he was in possesion of heroin.(SOBBING)Sean,what…..what are we going to do,Sean?How am I going to tell your father this?SEAN KEENAN It’s okay,Mam.Mary and I will help you.ANN KEENAN (SOBBING)Your father is just going to be so upset.This is what he thought would always happen to Brendan,and now it has.Oh,what am I going to say to him?SEAN KEENAN Come on,Mam.Let’s go indoors.I’ll make you a nice strong cup of tea,and then we’ll wait for Mary and Dad to come home.

(GRAMS)

(TOM KEENAN, HIS WIFE ANN ,AND THEIR TWO OTHER CHILDREN,SEAN AND MARY, ARE DISCUSSING WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO BRENDAN.THEY ARE IN THE LIVING ROOM. IN THE BACKGROUND YOU CAN HEAR THE TELEVISION)

TOM KEENAN I always knew this was how Brendan would end up. It’s bad enough that he was arrested for stealing,but to be found with heroin on him!He’s brought shame to this family.I shall never be able to hold my head up in this community again!MARY KEENAN Is that all you’re worried about,Dad?How you’re going to hold your head up around town?Brendan’s going to end up in prison.He could die from a drug’s overdose,and your worried about your reputation as a pillar of the community?TOM KEENAN You ungrateful cow! Your Mam and I have always tried to do our best for you three kids.And what do we get in return for all our hard work?Brendan lands himself in prison,you answer us back,and question our every decision,and Sean seems hellbent on failing all of his exams,and spending the rest of his life on the dole.MARY KEENAN You leave Sean out of it!ANN KEENAN Mary,don’t talk to your father like that!And anyway that’s enough.Brendan is facing a long prison sentence,and all any of you can do is bicker(SOBBING).

(GRAMS)

(SEAN KEENAN IS IN THE PUBLIC PARK RIDING HIS PONY.HIS SISTER,MARY KEENAN IS THERE TOO.SHE SEES SEAN.IN THE BACKGROUND WE CAN HEAR THE HORSE’S HOOVES)

MARY KEENAN Sean!Sean!Is that you on that horse?SEAN KEENAN Mary!What are you doing here?MARY KEENAN I was just walking in the park.I thought I recognized you in the distance.But I didn’t think it was you,because you were on the horse.I didn’t even know you could ride.SEAN KEENAN So I surprised you then?MARY KEENAN Yes,what’s really surprised me is just how well you can ride .Have you been taking lessons,and whose horse is it anyway?SEAN KEENAN I haven’t been taking lessons.The pony is mine,and I come here everyday before and after school to ride him,and take care of him.MARY KEENAN (VERY SURPRISED)The horse is yours!And you’ve been coming here everyday to ride him and look after him!So that’s what you’ve been keeping a secret from Mam and Dad.SEAN KEENAN Please don’t tell them!Promise you won’t!MARY KEENAN I won’t if you don’t want me to.But I think it’s only a matter of time anyway before they do find out.You can’t keep something as big as a horse a secret forever,Sean.(PAUSE)If I keep your secret Sean,can you keep one of mine?SEAN KEENAN Mary,I’m not a little kid,you know.I can keep things to myself if I want.MARY KEENAN I’ve just been offered a place at drama school.SEAN KEENAN That’s great!Do you think Mam and Dad will be pleased?MARY KEENAN Well,I’m not sure about Mam,but I don’t think Dad will be.Drama school doesn’t constitute academic success in his eyes.He wants me to go on to university to become a lawyer or a doctor,or something like that.SEAN KEENAN So you’re not going to tell them about the offer?MARY KEENAN Oh,I will,eventually.When I think the right moment has come.

(GRAMS)

(SEAN KEENAN AND HIS SISTER,MARY ARE IN THEIR LIVING ROOM AT HOME DISCUSSING AN ARTICLE IN THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER.)

MARY KEENAN It says here that the new regulations regarding horse ownership are due to come into force this October.it says that horse owners will be expected to pay a registration fee,and that every horse will be electronically tagged with an identifying microchip in its ear.Horse owners will have to prove that they can provide proper stables that satisfy a veternary inspector.Apparently Dublin Corporation thinks that Clondalkin has got a bit like the Wild West with too many horses roaming around loose.SEAN KEENAN But how can I provide a proper stable for Midnight?MARY KEENAN I don’t know,Sean.Maybe something will turn up.SEAN KEENAN And if it doesn’t then I could lose my horse.

(GRAMS)

(SEAN KEENAN IS IN THE PARK WITH HIS HORSE,HIS NEW FRIEND,MIKE SHAUNNESSY IS ALSO THERE WITH A MAN OF ABOUT FORTY.THIS IS BRIAN DONOGHUE,A HORSE TRAINER).

MIKE SHAUNESSY Sean,come over here I’d like you to meet a friend of mine.(THERE IS A PAUSE AS SEAN WALKS OVER)Sean,this is Brian Donoghue.He’s been watching you ride.Brian agrees with me about your horsemanship,and he’s someone who knows more about horses than I do.BRIAN DONOGHUE I’m extremely impressed with your riding.

(THE CONVERSATION IS INTERRUPTED BY SHOUTS.IT IS MARY KEENAN,SEAN’S SISTER)

MARY KEENAN Sean!Sean!You’d better get home,Dad’s on the warpath about homework again.SEAN KEENAN I’m sorry,I’ll have to talk to you some other time,Mr Donoghue,I’ve got to get back home.BRIAN DONOGHUE I’ll look forward to that.MIKE SHAUNESSY Bye,Sean.SEAN KEENAN Yeah,I’ll see you later,Mike.

(GRAMS)

(THE KEENAN FAMILY ARE ALL IN THE LIVING ROOM AT HOME.THEY ARE DISCUSSING BRENDAN’S PRISON SENTENCE)

ANN KEENAN Your father and I have just been talking to Brendan’s solicitor.He seems to think that Brendan will receive a fairly light sentence because he’s a first time offender.MARY KEENAN I suppose that’s good news of a sort,Mam.ANN KEENAN I don’t feel like it’s good news,Mary.I feel like it’s more than I can bear,to see my own son end up in prison.TOM KEENAN If you ask me,a spell in prison might do Brendan good.It might make him come to his senses.MARY KEENAN (ANGRY)How can you say that,Dad?Going to prison may be a blow he’ll never recover from.TOM KEENAN That’s as maybe,but Brendan’s made his own bed,now he can lie on it.MARY KEENAN I don’t understand you,Dad,I really don’t.This is your son we’re talking about here,not some stranger!(MARY WALKS TOWARDS THE FRONT DOOR,AND SLAMS IT SHUT BEHIND AS SHE LEAVES THE ROOM).

(GRAMS)

(SEAN KEENAN IS AT THE QUARRYVALE PONY CLUB,HE IS TALKING TO JOHN BROPHY,WHO RUNS THE CLUB.)

SEAN KEENAN Mr Brophy,if I don’t find some stables soon for my pony,the authorities will have him destroyed.JOHN BROPHY Don’t you think I would really like to help you if I could ,Sean?I can’t tell you how many youngsters like yourself have asked me the same question in the last few weeks,or so.But the problem is that Quarryvale doesn’t have stables.We can only give you advice about how to look after your horses,nothing else.I would honestly love to help out all you kids with horses,but we just don’t have the capability to do it.I really wish I could tell you something different.I’m sorry Sean.SEAN KEENAN That’s okay Mr Brophy.Maybe something will turn up.

(GRAMS)

(SEAN KEENAN IS AT PARK WITH HIS HORSE.MIKE SHAUNESSY IS ALSO THERE WITH HIS OWN PONY)

MIKE SHAUNESSY I’ve been shouting at you for about the last five minutes,but I think you must have been miles away,because you just didn’t hear me..SEAN KEENAN Have you found stables for your pony,Mike?MIKE SHAUNESSSY (SIGHING)No,nothing yet.If I don’t find something soon,he’ll be destroyed.What about you,Sean?SEAN KEENAN Same here.I asked up at Quarryvale if they could help,but they don’t have any stables.MIKE SHAUNESSY Yeah,I asked there too.SEAN KEENAN What about that friend of yours,the horse trainer?MIKE SHAUNESSY Brian Donoghue?Well.he’s not exactly a friend,more of an acquaintance really.I tried to phone him the other day.Apparently he’s in England at the moment,and they don’t know when he’s coming back.He could be gone for months.(PAUSE- VERY SADLY) )I don’t know how we can stop them destroying our horses,I don’t think we canSEAN KEENAN (SHOUTING) It’s not fair,it really isn’t!

(GRAMS)

(THE KEENAN FAMILY ARE AT HOME DISCUSSING MARY’S FUTURE.THE SOUND OF ANN KEENAN CLEARING AWAY THE MEAL THINGS,PLATES AND CUTLERY CAN BE HEARD,AS WELL AS THE TELEVSION IN THE BACKGROUND.)

TOM KEENAN A letter arrived for you this morning from Dublin University.Congratulations you’ve been offered a place,Mary.MARY KEENAN You opened my letter?You opened my letter without permission and read it?How could you ,Dad?You have no respect for my privacy at all,have you,Dad?ANN KEENAN Your father doesn’t normally open your mail. It’s just that he saw it was from the university.He was excited for you.MARY KEENAN He had no right to open my mail.Anyway,I’m not taking up the offer.TOM KEENAN (SHOUTING)You’re not going to take up the offer of a place at university?MARY KEENAN No,I’m going to drama school instead.TOM KEENAN You’re turning down a place at university to go to some stupid drama school.You’re throwing away your future girl!MARY KEENAN How do you know that I’m not good at it.Why do you always crush everybody’s dream,Dad?TOM KEENAN Listen,Mary,dreams are all well and good,but do you know how many unemployed actors there are?Some of them might be as good as Robert De Niro,but they never get a chance,they never get that lucky break.I don’t want that for you.MARY KEENAN I knew you wouldn’t understand.

(GRAMS)

(MARY KEENAN AND HER MOTHER,ANN KEENAN,ARE IN THE LIVING ROOM.ANN KEENAN IS CRYING.SEAN KEENAN ENTERS THE ROOM.)

SEAN KEENAN Mam!Mam!What’s wrong?Why are you crying?ANN KEENAN (SOBBING) Brendan….Brendan was sentenced today.(PAUSE)It’s….It’s Christmas soon and Brendan’s in prison.MARY KEENAN Mam and Dad and me were at court.Brendan was found guilty,and sentenced.The judge was actually quite lenient,but I think the truth has just dawned on Mam,Brendan is going to prison.I don’t think any of this seemed quite real to her until today.Suddenly Mam has to face the fact that her son is in jail.SEAN KEENAN How’s Dad taking it?MARY KEENAN He didn’t say much when we left the the court,but I’ve never seen him look so beaten,so heartbroken.It’s as if the light has gone out of his eyes.SEAN KEENAN Where is he now?MARY KEENAN He’s gone to the pub,to drown his sorrows,I suppose.ANN KEENAN (SOBBING)Sean,Sean!Promise me you won’t do what Brendan has done.Promise me you won’t end up in prison!You have to make something of your life,you mustn’t end up like Brendan!SEAN KEENAN I promise,Mam.I’ll try to make you proud of me.

(GRAMS)

(SEAN KEENAN IS IN THE PARK WITH HIS PONY,AND HIS FRIEND MIKE SHAUNESSSY)

MIKE SHAUNESSY It looks like this is it,Sean.The people from Dublin Corporation have got their own way.They’ll be coming next week to destroy the horses.SEAN KEENAN (ANGRY)And there’s nothing we can do,We’re just going to have to sit back and watch them destroy our animals!MIKE SHAUNESSY We can’t stop them from destroying Midnight and Dune,but we can make one last stand.We can show them how we feel.We can show them that we’re tired of being pushed around,and of no one listening to us.SEAN KEENAN How?MIKE SHAUNESSY We can go on a protest march through Dublin city centre this week.SEAN KEENAN (SURPRISED)Just you and me?MIKE SHAUNESSY Don’t be daft,Sean!They’ll be hundreds of us riding through town on our horses!It’ll be good,because it’s Christmas week,and most of Dublin will be out doing their Christmas shopping.SEAN KEENAN What if my Mam and Dad see me?They don’t even know I ‘ve got a pony.MIKE SHAUNESSY So what if they do see you?You’re going to lose Midnight next week anyway.We’ve lost the battle to keep our horses,but at least we can show them that we’re not going to accept their decsion like meek little lambs.We will show them how we feel .We will make our voices heard.SEAN KEENAN Okay,you’re on.I’ll do it!

(GRAMS)

(SEAN KEENAN IS AT HOME.THE REST OF THE FAMILY IS OUT.THERE IS A RING AT THE DOORBELL.IT IS SEAN’S UNCLE.LIAM.)

SEAN KEENAN Uncle Liam!LIAM KEENAN Tom told me about your brother,Brendan being in prison.Your dad seemed pretty down about it,so I thought I’d come and see him .I thought he might need a bit of moral support at a time like this,especially as it’s Christmas.Can’t be much fun having Brendan in jail at this time of year. (PAUSE)Well,Sean,aren’t you going to invite me in?SEAN KEENAN Yeah,of course.I’m sorry.Come on in.LIAM KEENAN Where is everybody?SEAN KEENAN I don’t know where Mary is,Mam and Dad are out doing a spot of Christmas shopping.They should be back quite soon though because the whole family is going to visit Brendan today.LIAM KEENAN Will you wait here with me until Tom and Ann get back?SEAN KEENAN Yeah.okay.

(GRAMS)

LIAM KEENAN Your mam aad dad aren’t back yet.They’ve been gone hours.At this rate they won’t get to the prison on time.SEAN KEENAN I’m sorry,Uncle Liam,I can’t wait any longer for them to come back.LIAM KEENAN I thought you were coming with us,Sean.SEAN KEENAN No,I’m sorry,but I’ve got something really important to do.LIAM KEENAN What could be more important than your own brother.Someone should teach you a lesson or two about family loyalty.SEAN KEENAN This is something I’ve got to do,Uncle Liam I must go now,or it’ll be too late.LIAM KEENAN Come on whatever it is,can’t be that important.At least stay until your parents get back?SEAN KEENAN No,I must go now,please!LIAM KEENAN Very well go!Your father won’t be best pleased when I tell him what just happened.

(GRAMS)

(SEAN KEENAN IS WITH THE PROTESTORS,THEY ARE ALL RIDING BAREBACK THROUGH THE CENTRE OF DUBLIN.MIKE SHAUNESSY AND HIS PONY ARE ALSO THERE.ALL AROUND YOU CAN HEAR THE SOUND OF HORSE’S HOOVES,NEIGHING ETC.THERE IS ALSO THE SOUND OF CARS,AND A GREAT MANY PEOPLE.)

SEAN KEENAN Honestly,Mike,I almost didn’t make it today.My Uncle Liam showed up all of a sudden,and wanted me to stay,and keep him company until my parents got home.He also couldn’t believe that I wasn’t going to visit Brendan in jail.Dad will be so angry with me when he gets home.You see I was planning to just sneak out without anyone noticing,but now Uncle Liam will tell Dad that I deliberately didn’t want to visit Brendan.MIKE SHAUNESSY Well,you’re here now.Think about facing the music later.SEAN KEENAN Hey,look there’s my sister,Mary!MIKE SHAUNESSY Go over and have a quick word with her,go on!(THERE IS A SLIGHT PAUSE AS SEAN TAKES HIS HORSE OVER TO WHERE MARY IS STANDING.)MARY KEENAN Sean!You look fantastic.You look sort of heroic and brave!SEAN KEENAN Are Mam and Dad with you?MARY KEENAN No,they’ve already gone home.Now go on,you’d better go back and join your friends.(A SLIGHT PAUSE AS SEAN RETURNS TO THE RESTOF THE GROUP)MIKE SHAUNESSY I think people will remember this march for a long,long time.SEAN KEENAN I hope Brendan forgives me for not visiting him today.MIKE SHAUNESSY Of course he will when he finds out what you’ve been up to.He’ll forgive you because he knows how much that pony means to you.That’s why we’re all going on this march.Our horses mean something to us.We’re doing it for them.We’re taking a stand for them.

(GRAMS)

(SEAN KEENAN IS AT HOME WITH HIS SISTER,MARY..THEY ARE DISCUSSING THE MARCH.)

SEAN KEENAN Are you sure that Mam and Dad didn’t see me today on the march?MARY KEENAN I told you they had already gone home when you arrived.SEAN KEENAN I still don’t want them to know about my pony,Midnight,MARY KEENAN Well,the chances of you being able to keep it a secret for much longer are quite slim.I mean,Mam and Dad might not have seen you today,but I’m sure someone they know must have seen you,and they’re sure to tell Mam and Dad about it.SEAN KEENAN Did you go to visit Brendan too?MARY KEENAN Yes,I did ,but I left early.

(THERE IS THE SOUND OF A KEY IN THE LOCK.IT IS TOM AND ANN KEENAN,AS WELL AS UNCLE LIAM.)

ANN KEENAN (SHOUTING) Hello,Mary!Be a darling,and make us all a cup of tea!TOM KEENAN (ANGRY) So,you’re back too, Sean from wherever it is you went.Uncle Liam told me how you refused to wait with him earlier on,and how you told him you couldn’t visit Brendan because you had something better to do.LIAM KEENAN Sean said he had something urgent to do,and that’s why he couldn’t come with us.SEAN KEENAN It was something really important.TOM KEENAN (SHOUTING)Obviously much important than your own brother!LIAM KEENAN Your Dad and I are really disappointed in you,Sean.SEAN KEENAN And who are you to tell me off.You’re my Uncle who I haven’t seen for years,and now you think you can just march in here,and tell me what to do!ANN KEENAN Sean,Uncle Liam is our guest,you can’t speak to him like that!SEAN KEENAN Just leave me alone,the lot of you!(SEAN RUNS UPSTAIRS AND INTO HIS ROOM SLAMMING THE DOOR BEHIND HIM.)

(GRAMS)

(SEAN IS AT THE PUBLIC PARK WITH HIS PONY.MIKE SHAUNESSY IS ALSO THERE.)

MIKE SHAUNESSY The men from Dublin Corporation will be coming any day now to destroy our horses.SEAN KEENAN I know.MIKE SHAUNESSY It’s breaking my heart,I wish I could do something about it.SEAN KEENAN There isn’t anything we can do,is there?MIKE SHAUNESSY (ALMOST WHISPERING) No,there isn’t.SEAN KEENAN We will still be friends after Dune and Midnight have gone,won’t we?MIKE SHAUNESSY Of course we will.SEAN KEENAN You know before I bought Midnight my life was a mess.I felt like I was useless at everything.Then Midnight came along,and suddenly I felt as if I was good at something.I didn’t have any friends before either,probably because I was such a loser.MIKE SHAUNESSY We’ll still be mates after our horses have gone.I’m not one to abandon my friends.

(GRAMS)

(SEAN IS AT THE PRISON VISITING BRENDAN.THERE IS THE SOUND OF KEYS JANGLING, FOOTSTEPS WALKING UP AND DOWN,CHAIRS SCRAPING,AND PEOPLE TALKING.)

BRENDAN KEENAN Have you still got that horse of yours,Sean?SEAN KEENAN Yes,but not for very much longer.BRENDAN KEENAN I know,I heard what Dublin Corporation were planning to do.I’m sorry,Sean.SEAN KEENAN Thanks,BRENDAN KEENAN No,I really mean it.That pony was good for you.I wish I’d had something like that when I was about your age,then maybe I wouldn’t have turned to breaking into cars.SEAN KEENAN Why did you start doing stuff like that Brendan?BRENDAN KEENAN It was partly to relieve the boredom,and partly because I couldn’t see much of a future round here for me.I mean nearly everyone I know is unemployed.SEAN KEENAN I thought maybe you did some of it to upset Dad.BRENDAN KEENAN That was part of it.The old man can be so self-rightious.SEAN KEENAN I think Dad used to think that you had it in you to be quite brainy.BRENDAN KEENAN I was quite good at school when I was younger,but then I stopped trying.SEAN KEENAN Why?BRENDAN KEENAN Partly because Dad kept pushing me all the time.He was never satisfied with what I did,and partly because well,none of my friends were into studying and that sort of thing.SEAN KEENAN Dad thinks I’m thick.BRENDAN KEENAN Well,you’re not.Dad doesn’t understand you,just like he’s never understood me.You can prove him wrong,Sean.SEAN KEENAN I’ll try to Brendan,I really will.BRENDAN KEENAN There’s just one more thing before you go.SEAN KEENAN What’s that?BRENDAN KEENAN Try to enjoy Christmas.SEAN KEENAN I’ll try,but I don’t think it’s going to be much use.I’m too worried about Midnight to enjoy anything.BRENDAN KEENAN Take care,Sean.SEAN KEENAN You too.Brendan.

(GRAMS)

(SEAN IS AT HOME.HE IS IN THE KITCHEN WITH HIS SISTER,MARY.THEY ARE DISCUSSING SEAN’S VISIT TO THE PRISON.)

MARY KEENAN Would you like a cup of tea,Sean?You look exhausted.SEAN KEENAN Yes,thanks..I went to visit Brendan in prison today,and I think I found the whole thing a bit depressing.MARY KEENAN (IN THE BACKGROUND,THE SOUND OF WATER POURED INTO A KETTLE)It drains you emotionally doesn’t it?SEAN KEENAN It’s not just that.It’s seeing Brendan caged up.He’s changed since he’s been there.MARY KEENAN In what way do you think he’s changed?SEAN KEENAN He’s grown up.He seems a lot older.Mary…Do you think there’s hope for Brendan once he gets out of prison?MARY KEENAN I don’t know,Sean.I’d like to think so.If he can put the past behind him and start again then maybe there is.(THE KETTLE HAS BOILED,THE WHISTLE BLOWS,AND MARY POURS THE TEA INTO CUPS,STIRRING BOTH CUPS WITH A SPOON)MARY KEENAN There you go Sean.A nice cup of tea!SEAN KEENAN Thanks ,Mary.(PAUSE)So have you accepted the drama school offer of a place?MARY KEENAN Yes,I have.SEAN KEENAN That’s great.What about Dad?What did he say?MARY KEENAN He still didn’t want me to accept it.He gave me a long lecture on how I would have been better off going to university.He doesn’t realise that that was his dream,not mine.SEAN KEENAN Did he try to stop you taking up the place?MARY KEENAN No,he doesn’t like my decision,but he’ll accept my decision.SEAN KEENAN You always were Dad’s favourite,you know.He’s never been as despotic towards you as he is toward me and Brendan.MARY KEENAN Maybe Brendan going to prison will make Dad see the light.SEAN KEENAN I doubt it.MARY KEENAN Is there any news about your pony?SEAN KEENAN (ALMOST WHISPERING) Yes,he’s going to be destroyed tomorrow.MARY KEENAN Oh,my God,Sean!I’m really sorry.Oh,and here’s me going on about the drama place,while all the time you’re feeling bad about your pony.Why didn’t you mention something before?SEAN KEENAN I didn’t want to burden anyone else with my problems.(CRYING)They’re going to kill him,Mary!I’m going to lose him.He’s my horse.What will I have to live for once he’s gone?

(GRAMS)

(SEAN IS WITH HIS PONY,MIDNIGHT.HE IS SAYING HIS FINAL FAREWELLS TO THE HORSE.THE HORSE IS STANDING NEXT TO HIM.YOU CAN HEAR ITS BREATHING,AND THE SOUND OF ITS HOOVES)

SEAN KEENAN (SOBBING)I wish this didn’t have to happen,Midnight.I’d give anything to be able to change it,but I can’t,I can’t.I just want to say that I will never forget you,owning you has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me.Before I bought you I was miserable.You gave me something to live for,something to care about.And now they’re going to take you away from me,and my life will probably go back to being the mess it was before.MAN FROM THE CORPORATION Is that your horse,son?SEAN KEENAN Yes,he’s mine.MAN FROM THE CORPORATION I’ve been sent up here to destroy him.SEAN KEENAN I know.MAN FROM THE CORPORATION If it’s any consolation,I can tell you that it’s very quick.It’ll be over in seconds.(PAUSE)It’s probably best if you don’t stay to watch though.Best if you say your farewells now.SEAN KEENAN I already have.MAN FROM THE CORPORATION I’ll wait until you’ve walked over that hill,and out of sight before I do it.(THERE IS A PAUSE AS SEAN WALKS AWAY.YOU CAN HEAR SOFT FOOTSTEPS,AND THEN A LOUD GUNSHOT,FOLLOWED BY THE SOUND OF SEAN CRYING).

(GRAMS)

(SEAN IS AT HOME WITH HIS SISTER,MARY.THEY ARE DISCUSSING SEAN’S PONY).

SEAN KEENAN It’s over,Midnight’s gone.MARY KEENAN.Oh,Sean!SEAN KEENAN I keep remembering every second I spent with that horse.He was my horse. I knew what he needed,and what he was feeling.I took care of him really well.For the first time in my life I had found something I could do well.I can remember what it felt like to ride him really fast across the park.Midnight seemed to understand what I was thinking.I was no longer a boy on a horse,but part of something bigger.Sometimes I’d forget I was me,I’d become part of the wind,part of the trees.And now all of that’s been taken away from me.My life will go back to the way it was before I owned Midnight,but I don’t want it to!MARY KEENAN I don’t think it will because deep down inside you’ve changed.You’re not the same person anymoreSEAN KEENAN Do you really think that?MARY KEENAN Yes,I do.You’re not the same Sean I knew a year ago.There’s a new courage and wisdom there.You’ll be alright, Sean,just you wait and see.

(GRAMS)

(SEAN KEENAN IS IN THE PARK WITH MIKE SHAUNESSY.THEY ARE DISCUSSING THEIR FUTURES).

SEAN KEENAN What are you going to do now that you’ve lost your pony,Mike?MIKE SHAUNESSY I think I’m going to start studying hard at school.If I can get some qualifications I might be able to get myself a decent job.I don’t want to end up on the scrapheap at forty like my old man.What about you,Sean.SEAN KEENAN I really don’t know.I’ve never been all that brilliant at school.I want to do something I’m good at.MIKE SHAUNESSY And you don’t know what that is yet?SEAN KEENAN No I don’t.MIKE SHAUNESSY I don’t really know what sort of job I’d like either.My Mam says I’m good with my hands.I’ve always been quite creative I suppose,so maybe I’ll go in that sort of direction.SEAN KEENAN I hope I find out what I’m good at soon.MIKE SHAUNESSY You know some people take a lifetime to discover what they’re good at.They’ll find out at fifty that they would have made an excellent opera singer or something.Only then it’s too late.Let’s hope it’s not too late for us.

BRIAN DONOGHUE Hello,Mike, have you seen the young man you introduced me to a few months ago?MIKE SHAUNESSY Oh,hello Mr Donoghue.Do you mean Sean Keenan?BRIAN DONOGHUE Yeah,that was him.MIKE SHAUNESSY No,I haven’t seen him for a few days.Why?BRIAN DONOGHUE I need to speak to him urgently.I’ve only got a day or two to spare,and then I have to go back to England.MIKE SHAUNESSY I’ll tell Sean when I see him that you want to see him and that it’s very important.BRIAN DONOGHUE Thanks,Mike.

(GRAMS)

(SEAN KEENAN IS AT HOME WATCHING TV IN THE LIVING ROOM.HIS MOTHER,ANN KEENAN IS THERE TOO.YOU CAN HEAR THE TV IN THE BACKGROUND)

ANN KEENAN What is wrong with you just lately,Sean?For the last couple of days you’ve been sulking around the house looking miserable.Has something happened ?SEAN KEENAN No.ANN KEENAN Well,something’s going on.Until a few days ago you hardly spent anytime at home.Suddenly you’re moping around,sitting in front of the tv doing nothing.SEAN KEENAN I told you Mam,nothing’s happned.Now can you stop going on about it?ANN KEENAN Sean,why don’t you tell me……SEAN KEENAN (SHOUTING)That’s it I’ve had enough!I’m going out!(SEAN GETS UP AND LEAVES THE ROOM, SLAMMING THE DOOR BEHIND HIM).

(GRAMS)

(SEAN IS IN THE PARK.HE IS TALKING TO MIKE SHAUNESSY)

MIKE SHAUNESSY Hello,Sean.What’s up?You’re looking cheesed off about something.SEAN KEENAN It’s my mother.She won’t leave me alone.She keeps asking why I’m sitting around all day watching tv.MIKE SHAUNESSY She doesn’t know about your pony?SEAN KEENAN I never told her.MIKE SHAUNESSY Maybe you should tell her now.SEAN KEENAN I don’t want to tell either of my parents.I don’t think they’d understand.MIKE SHAUNESSY It’s up to you,but I think I would if I were you.SEAN KEENAN Well,you’re not okay?MIKE SHAUNESSY Do you remember me introducing you to Brian Donoghue a few months ago?SEAN KEENAN Yes.MIKE SHAUNESSY Well,he wants to meet you really urgently.He says it’s about something very important.SEAN KEENAN You don’t know what it’s about?MIKE SHAUNESSY No,I don’t,but he says that he must talk to you before he has to go back to England again in a few days time.SEAN KEENAN I suppose I’ve got nothing to lose.Tell him I’ll meet him here in the park tommorrow at four o’clock by the main gates..MIKE SHAUNESSY Okay I’ll pass the message on.

BRIAN DONOHJUE I heard about your pony,Sean,and I’m really sorry.As you know I’m a horse trainer.I train thoroughbreds.I own stables outside of Dublin.If I had known about those damned new horse ownership regulations that Dublin Corporation brought in,I could have done something to prevent both you and Mike from losing your ponies,but unfortunately the whole thing happened when I was away in England.Actually, I think I may have heard something about it just before I left,but it didn’t really register.Then when I returned home I heard about you and Mike….SEAN KEENAN Is that why you wanted to see me?BRIAN DONOGHUE No,I mean I am sorry about what happened to your horse ,but that’s not really why I wanted to see you.SEAN KEENAN What then?BRIAN DONOGHUE I told you when I last saw you that I thought you were the best natural horseman I’d ever seen.Well,I wasn’t just saying that.I meant it.Sean,I’d like you to come and work for me when you leave school.I’d like to train you as a jockey.I mean I don’t know what else you may have planned for your future,but I’m offering you a job with me,if you want it.SEAN KEENAN Mr Donoghue!I don’t know what to say.I love horses,and I’d love to work with them.BRIAN DONOGHUE So it’s a deal then?SEAN KEENAN Yes!I have to tell Mam and Dad though.BRIAN DONOGHUE I’m going back to England for a week.I’ll see you when I return to Ireland.SEAN KEENAN Okay.see you then.BRIAN DONOGHUE Bye,Sean and don’t forget to tell your parents about the job offer.

(GRAMS)

(SEAN KEENAN ARRIVES HOME.WE CAN HEAR THE SOUND OF THE KEY IN THE LOCK.WHEN HE STEPS INTO THE HOUSE HE FINDS THE ENTIRE FAMILY IS THERE TO GREET HIM.TOM KEENAN,ANN KEENAN AND MARY KEENAN ARE ALL THERE.)

SEAN KEENAN Mam,Dad!I’ve got some great news.TOM KEENAN Before you go telling me your great news.Mrs Reilly has informed me that you were seen riding through Dublin city centre on that protest march just before Christmas.Whose horse was it,and what were you doing making an exhibition of yourself like that?MARY KEENAN He wasn’t making an exhibition of himself,Dad.Honestly,if you could have seen him you would have thought he looked magnificent! TOM KEENAN I’m not talking to you girl.I’m talking to your brother.Now I’ll ask you again,whose horse was it?MARY KEENAN It was his horse!TOM KEENAN I said I wasn’t asking you,Mary.Now tell me Sean was that your horse.SEAN KEENAN Yes,it was my horse,Dad.His name was Midnight,and they put him down just after Christmas.TOM KEENAN (ANGRY)You had a horse!For all these months you had a horse,and you didn’t tell us?And where may I ask,did you get the money for this horse?SEAN KEENAN It was Grandad’s birthday and Christmas money from last year…MARY KEENAN I knew he had a horse.TOM KEENAN Shut up,I wasn’t talking to you!MARY KEENAN (SHOUTING)No,you shut up!Sean got up at dawn every day to take care of that pony.The poor animal may not have had anywhere better than the park to live in,but Sean made sure he never wanted for anything.Nobody could have taken better care of him.And then after he’d finished feeding him and grooming him Sean would go off to school,and do what he had to do there.All Sean has ever wanted is for you to feel the same way about him as you do about me and Brendan.But somehow you’ve always disregarded Sean because he’s not academic like us.Well,we are all sick of being made to live out your dreams for you.Because it’s you who wanted me to go to university,you who was so disappointed in Brendan when he chose not to be a scholar,and you that can’t see all the potential that Sean has..ANN KEENAN You mustn’t talk to your father like that!MARY KEENAN That’s where you’re wrong,Mam.Someone has to tell Dad that he’s the real reason Brendan’s in prison.He’s in prison because he couldn’t live up to Dad’s expectations.Dad wants me to be a doctor,or a lawyer,but that’s not me.Why can’t he see that.And he’s always treated Sean like a failure.He’s not a failure.It’s Dad who needs to understand,who needs to see.SEAN KEENAN Mam,Dad….I’ve been offered a job with Brian Donoghue,the horse trainer.TOM KEENAN I’ve heard of him,he owns and trains race horses doesn’t he?SEAN KEENAN Yes,that’s right,he does.He thinks I might make a good jockey or something one of these days.He told me to tell you about it.I think he’s going to come over to visit you and Mam to discuss the job after he comes back from England next week.TOM KEENAN I’m pleased for you,son.Mary’s right I have been a blind old fool.She’s right, I wanted all of you to have the opportunity I never did.I never got the chance to go to university.And that’s what I wanted for you children,something I never had.The chance you to become somebody.I didn’t realise that it was not what any of you wanted.I didn’t realise that you had your own dreams,and that I couldn’t live out my dreams through you.MARY KEENAN You’ve got to let us go our own way Dad.You’ve got to let us make our own mistakes.TOM KEENAN I’m sorry,Mary.I just didn’t understand.MARY KEENAN Do you think you could be proud of us all,even though we haven’t fufilled your ambitions for us?TOM KEENAN I am proud of all of you.I just couldn’t say it before.

(GRAMS)

(V/O)That was six years ago.I’m still working as a jockey.I thoroughly enjoy my job. One day when I’m too old for it,I’m going to train and own race horses just like my boss,Brian.Brendan has been out of jail for quite a few years now.He’s a trained carpenter,and engaged to be married. Mam and Dad love his fiancee,she’s a lovely girl,and just what Brendan needs.She’s a real calming influence on my headstrong brother..My sister,Mary lives in London now.I saw her in a television drama last month.She’s been in several things. Whenever Dad sees her on television,his face just beams with pride.Mam and Dad have been to see me at the races too,and Dad loves telling everyone that he meets that I’m his son.Sometimes when I think back on my life,and how it has turned out,I think of Midnight,and I know that without him none of this would have happened.I still feel a little sad of course because he died,and despite all my best intentions I couldn’t save him.But I know that all of our lives would have turned out quite differently had I not bought that pony with my Grandad’s birthday and Christmas money back in 1997.